The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended its cold weather alert again amid cool weather predictions from the Met Office.
The government agency had already extended its warning on Friday (January 20) to expire on Wednesday (January 25), but now the level 3 cold weather alert will stay in place until 9:00a.m on Friday, January 27.
According to the UK’s Met Office, temperatures today (Monday, January 23) will be mild in most areas and will reach highs of 10° in some places. However, the Midlands and the southwest of England will not see temperatures above 5°.
The Midlands and southwest of England will also experience the overnight cold temperature drops, with predictions of -3° and lower.
Similar conditions are forecast for tomorrow (Tuesday, January 24), but with temperatures set to remain mild in other parts of the UK.
The north of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales will experience warmer conditions (6°-10°) than the cooler 2°- 5° experienced in the Midlands and southwest of England.
The same Midlands and southwest England areas will be impacted by freezing temperatures on Tuesday night into Wednesday (January 25) morning.
Those experiencing milder conditions during the day will experience little to no temperature drops overnight, only by one or two degrees in parts.
Dr. Agostinho Sousa, the head of extreme events and health protection for the UKHSA, warned that precautions must be taken amid the cold weather alert as cold weather can pose a health risk to humans.
“Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly older people and those with pre-existing health conditions, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections,” Sousa said.
“During this period, it is important to check in on family, friends and relatives who may be more vulnerable to the cold weather.
“If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65, it is important to try and heat your home to at least 18° if you can.”
